Gardening Talks

Book Alan For A Gardening Talk

Talks can be given on the following topics

Cascades Gardens: From Jungle to Paradise

Gardening with Nature. How to create a peaceful garden in which to relax and reflect.

Alan Clements, the owner of Cascades Gardens has been gardening for over 50 years and has developed Cascades Gardens over the last 20 years based on the industrial landscaping created in 1800 to feed water to the now ruined corn mill.

He is available to deliver a one hour talk (or longer) on the history of the garden “From Jungle to Paradise” with a wide range of pictures of its development and current array of flowers, shrubs and trees. This is a good talk as an introduction to the garden and a group visit.

The slide show and talk describes the 20 year development of Cascades Gardens, a peaceful and beautiful four acre garden in Bonsall Derbyshire. Originally a wild gorge under an 80 foot cliff with a canal, stream and woodland, the owner discusses the gardens and gardeners that have inspired him and tracks the construction and planting of the garden in his attempt to create a peaceful and natural garden out of this dramatic landscape. The talk includes:

Photos of the wild land 40 years ago.

Gardens and gardeners that have inspired him.

Initial landscaping, the issues, statues and nursery.

Pictures throughout the seasons including the Hellebore collection.

Succession planting and the cascades

Conifer rockery and Chrysanthemums

Why do we garden?

Alan had a range of influences in creating the garden which included Hidcote Manor, Bressingham 5 acre Dell garden and Foggy Bottom, Daisen Inn monastery garden (Kyoto, Japan) and Christopher Lloyd’s Great Dixter. All of which are discussed in his presentation.

A new follow up talk “Gardening with Nature” is offered.A one hour talk and slide show that explores our interest in gardening and the deeper satisfaction that we can get from creating our own special natural space.Reviewing Chinese and Japanese gardens from his own personal experience and some of the principles underlying these oriental gardens;Taoism and Feng Shui are briefly reviewed.The speakers own garden, Cascades Gardens is examined in the light of Feng Shui and he explains how he has attempted to create the peace, tranquillity, balance and harmony in his gardens that can only be achieved by working with Nature.

Typically the speaker fee for gardening groups of less than 15 people- small group rate of £40 plus £10 local travel expenses.For 20 to 30 people £60 plus travel expenses. If more than 30 will attend my rate is higher and negotiable. I can bring plants for sale if requested.

To discuss or book a visit telephone Alan on 07967337404 or 01629 822813